5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Your Berks County municipality issues the building permit through Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code. Under 34 Pa. Code, residential pools deeper than 24 inches require a UCC construction permit; prefabricated pools under 24 inches are exempt.
34 Pa. Code 403.62(c)(5)
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code requires a barrier at least 48 inches high around residential pools deeper than 24 inches, with openings that won't pass a 4-inch sphere. Your Berks County municipality enforces it.
PA ISPSC Section 305.2.1
The top of the barrier shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.
Under Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, residential pool gates must open outward, be self-closing, and self-latching. Public pools in Berks County are permitted and regulated by the PA Department of Health.
PA ISPSC Section 305.3
Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching device.
In Berks County, above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches need a UCC permit and a compliant 48-inch barrier; prefabricated pools under 24 inches are permit-exempt. Removable or lockable ladders can serve as the barrier.
PA ISPSC Section 305.5
Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access.
In Berks County, spas and hot tubs follow Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code. A spa or hot tub fitted with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is exempt from the full pool-barrier requirements.
PA ISPSC Section 305.1
Where spas or hot tubs are equipped with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 and swimming pools are equipped with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346, the areas where those spas, hot tubs or pools are located shall not be required to comply with Sections 305.2 through 305.7.
1 cities in Berks County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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